While getting some R&R during Penn State's bye week, the Ol' Perfesser did work on the midseason report card for the Nittany Lions.

Under first-year head coach Bill O'Brien, Penn State has overcome its 0-2 start with four consecutive wins and is clearly a team on the rise.

"Everything's been new, having never been a head coach," O'Brien said. "It's kind of like drinking water from a fire hose. Something new happens every day. You have to budget your time and do the best that you can."

O'Brien has done an outstanding job, considering he took over the program in the wake of the Jerry Sandusky scandal and has dealt with crippling NCAA sanctions.

The Lions have some heavy lifting to do before they receive their final grades. They still have to make trips to Iowa and Nebraska and play home games against Ohio State and Wisconsin.

"We have a long way to go," O'Brien said. "We're 4-2 and we have the meat of our schedule right here. This is going to be a very, very tough stretch for us. Hopefully they'll continue to improve on their knowledge of all the systems here."

The Lions are studying and learning quite well, according to the grades issued by the Ol' Perfesser.

Quarterbacks: Matt McGloin has prospered because the starting job is his and because O'Brien's offense fits him well. McGloin leads the Big Ten with 249.8 passing yards per game and 12 touchdown passes. He has just two interceptions in 221 attempts. He's making the right reads more often than not and he's showing patience. McGloin might be the Lions' MVP to this point.

Grade: A.

Running backs: The committee approach has worked the last three games perhaps because of the emergence of Zach Zwinak, who has back-to-back 100-yard outings. Michael Zordich, Derek Day and Bill Belton, the expected starter after Silas Redd transferred to USC in August, have shared carries. Belton missed three games because of an ankle injury and has looked tentative since.

Grade: C.

Receivers: Wideout Allen Robinson ranks among the national leaders in receptions, receiving yards and touchdown catches. Tight ends Kyle Carter and Matt Lehman also have been productive. Sophomore Alex Kenney and freshman Trevor Williams have ability at wideout, but they're seeing their first significant playing time.

Grade: B.

Offensive linemen: Although center Matt Stankiewitch was the only returning starter, this group has been a pleasant surprise. Stankiewitch and Mike Farrell, who has alternated between left and right tackle, have stood out. The linemen continue to improve in the running game and have protected McGloin, allowing just eight sacks in six games.

Grade: B.

Offense's overall grade: B.

Defensive linemen: Jordan Hill has been solid in the middle, and freshman Deion Barnes has been very active on the outside. Penn State ranks second in the Big Ten in with 16.0 points allowed per game and fourth with 15 sacks. They've helped hold 3-of-6 opponents to less than 300 total yards.

Grade: B.

Linebackers: Michael Mauti and Gerald Hodges are playing as well as any linebacker in the Big Ten; both rank among the top 10 in the conference in tackles. Mauti and Hodges are making game-changing plays, especially in pass coverage. Glenn Carson has been steady in the middle and Mike Hull has been a valuable reserve.

Grade: A.

Defensive backs: With six scholarship players, the Lions have been unable to use a nickel package with five defensive backs in passing situations. The secondary also has yet to come up with an interception. Few teams dare to throw in the direction of cornerback Adrian Amos. They've tackled well and have not given up many big plays.

Grade: B.

Defense's overall grade: B.

Special teams: They're struggling again. Penn State ranks ninth or worse in the Big Ten in kickoff returns, punt returns, net punting (last) and field goal percentage (last). The Lions do lead the conference in kickoff coverage, but Sam Ficken's kicking and Alex Butterworth's punting could cost them again in a tight game.

Grade: D.

Coaching: After the 0-2 start, O'Brien held the team together, as he has done since his hiring in January. His pro-style offense is exciting and entertaining and has helped Penn State score at least 34 points in three of its last four games. The Lions are tied for first in the Big Ten in turnover margin and are third in fewest penalty yardage, two accurate coaching gauges.

Grade: A.

Team: Penn State is 4-2 and a team on the rise. Three of its wins have come over teams that are .500 or better and one of its losses was to unbeaten Ohio, which entered the national rankings this week. With Iowa, Ohio State, Nebraska and Wisconsin left on the schedule, the second half of the season will not be easy.